Niagara’s two leading postsecondary institutions are introducing a new way to support aspiring Labour Relations and Human Resources professionals in the region and beyond.
Thanks to a new collaborative agreement between Brock University and Niagara College, Brock Labour Studies students will soon have an option to combine a degree in Labour Studies with a Human Resources Management graduate certificate from Niagara College. Presently, NC’s one-year HR Management program is only open to postsecondary graduates.
Starting in September 2021, NC will reserve 10 spaces within its HR Management graduate certificate program each year for Brock’s Labour Studies students, who may enter the NC program after their second or third year of university studies.
“Our College’s showcase HR Management program is a testament to excellence in applied learning and we are pleased to open a new pathway to the program for Brock University Labour Studies students,” said Fiona Allan, NC’s vice president, Academic.
“The shared experiences students will gain by completing the requirements of both programs will benefit the HR industry in Niagara and beyond, as our graduates are poised to play a lead role in developing the most important assets of every organization – people.”
Kendra Coulter, chair of the Department of Labour Studies at Brock, welcomes this new regional degree option that combines multi-dimensional university learning with specialized job preparation, skill development and experiential education.
“Our communities need people with the critical thinking, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills to not only shape workplaces, but to do so with foresight and empathy,” said Coulter. “Those with the most understanding about the world of work are best positioned to be able to successfully navigate it — and improve it. This new pathway will deepen students’ knowledge and skills in significant ways that will give them the edge.”
Brock’s labour studies programs equip students with valuable knowledge about labour relations, workers’ wellbeing, equity and diversity, and the future of work. The department is widely recognized for its award-winning faculty members and innovative courses.
Through NC’s one-year HR Management program, students will gain intensive academic and applied learning experience in the HR field, including real work experience through a 300-hour internship. They participate in course-based applied research with domestic and industry partners to solve real-world challenges faced by employers. As part of the College’s robust HR community, students also have opportunities to develop their professional competencies by networking and engaging with industry professionals.
“There is a strong synergy between the two programs at Brock and Niagara College; numerous Brock graduates have proven to be successful in our HR Management program over the years,” said NC dean of Business, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, Justin Williams. “Brock students will benefit from the applied learning experiences and connection to industry which our HR program has to offer at NC; and, they add a great deal to our HR Management program with their thoughtful contributions and strong academic foundation.”
Ingrid Makus, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Brock University, believes the new pathway offers students a terrific opportunity.
“This agreement is an excellent example of Brock’s commitment to collaborative partnerships that provide opportunities for learners to develop the training and experience they need to succeed and contribute to their communities.”
Students interested in learning more about this pathway are encouraged to contact the Brock Labour Studies Academic Advisor.
NC’s Human Resources Management program is a one-year graduate certificate program for postsecondary graduates. The program prepares students to work in all aspects of HR, equipping them with specialized knowledge in employment and labour law, training and development, occupational health and safety, labour relations, compensation and recruitment.
